FAQs for Living in Pittsburgh

Disclaimer: This is NOT an official guide. Neither me, nor CMU/RI
nor any person associated with content on this page, is/are
responsible for the outcome of using this information. You have been
warned.

This FAQ is written to help mainly students coming to CMU. It may also
be helpful if you are coming here for other purpose.

If you send me an email asking a question which is clarified by
information below, it just shows that you don't read too well. That
being said, I am reasonably patient with queries.

Table of Contents

Cost

Living costs are about 800-1100$/month (if you are scant-reasonable in
your wants). Add in a couple hundred dollars if you like to party.

Transport

The city of Pittsburgh runs its own bus service (called PAT), which
has frequent buses to the CMU campus. If you are a CMU ID card
holder and a student, then you can ride the bus for
free. Otherwise, you need to carry exact change. These buses do not give change back. It is recommended that you carry a roll of
quarters (available from any bank). Generally, summer
scholars/interns cannot ride the bus for "free" (since their ID card
doesn't have a bus pass in it), but there are many exceptions to
this rule and you should always confirm it with the authorities.

CMU also runs it's shuttle services from Shadyside to the main
campus. Additonally, CMU runs an escort service (from 6:30am to
6:30pm) to Squirrel Hill and Shadyside both. Having a CMU or a
University of Pittsburgh ID suffices to ride the shuttle or
escort. CMU Shuttle/Escort Webpage

If you have a driver's license, a zip-car maybe a great option to go
for long drives.

If you are a brave soul (like many) and can brace the
cold/heat/traffic, then you can use a bicycle too!

Accommodation and Setting things up

CMU/Pitt(University of Pittsburgh) students generally stay in areas
like Shadyside, Squirrel Hill. These are reasonably safe
neighborhoods and are well connected. The rent per person can vary
from 350-600$ (depending on where you stay and with how many
people).

If you are an Indian student, the CMU IGSA(Indian Grad Student
Association) has limited temporary accommodation (basically some
generous souls agree to provide shelter to the new students). Check
this out: Temporary Accomodation Guide.

Another great resource are the following Facebook groups. They
generally have posts (apartment listings/sublets) by
students/professionals living in Pittsburgh. If you are looking for
short-term leases, this place should be a great start too.

Visa

Full-time student: F-1
Intern/summer scholar: J-1

This information is wayy too complex for me to add here. Better visit
the Embassy site.

What to get when coming to Pittsburgh ?

Pittsburgh gets really cold, so try to get some clothes which will
help you in your initial days. I suggest buying heavy jackets from
the city itself after that (if you stay here in the winter). This
saves space, and also the jackets bought from Pittsburgh are made to
withstand the very cold weather here.

International Travel Tips

What to do in the city?

I will repeat a very "cliched and popularized fact" - Pittsburgh is
the most livable city in the US. Check out CMU: Pittsburgh for
more. Another excellent resource is Living in Pittsburgh (the
tag-line is "Our city made affordable").

CMU has a number of things to do (even if you are a grad
student). The Indian Grad Student Association (called IGSA) has
events which you can be a part of. Their website: CMU-IGSA
University of Pittsburgh IGSA: Ankur-IGSA

University of Pittsburgh has a good social scene which one can
enjoy.

Thank You ?

If you found any of this information useful, and cannot stop
yourself from expressing your undying gratitude, mail me! I
appreciate good feedback or simple thank-you's.